Abstract: The performance of the alkaline processes on the properties of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and swelling was studied in three different types of bentonite from Brazil, Argentina and Mozambique. Alkaline activations were performed by means of mechanochemical reactions with solutions of NaOH and Na2CO3, to increase the sodium content of bentonite clays and, thus, improve the properties above. Clay samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, to obtain the constituent phases. Activated samples were evaluated according to their cation exchange capacity – determined by the methylene blue test, and swelling index – measured by the Foster’s method. Results showed that the activation improved the properties of all bentonite types, especially the Brazilian clay, which achieved the most significant raises. There was also an indication that the type of clay affect the processing.

Abstract: High density brine drilling fluid has been widely applied in the high pressure and complex oil and gas fields. Effectively controlling high density brine drilling fluid loss is an important factor for reducing the reservoir damage and keeping well stability. Base on general drilling fluid formulations，the affecting factors of filtrate loss of high density brine drilling fluid were analysed through mass laboratory experiments. The results show that the main fctor was the content of caustic soda and bentonite, secondly the density and the shape of adding product. The combination of adding product is one of effective method to control the filtration property of high density brine drilling fluid. The results will provide reliable foundation for successful field application.

Abstract: Polymers nanocomposites are a class of materials where inorganic substances with nanometrics dimensions are modified and used as dispersed loads in polymers matrices. In this work, polyamide 6.6 was chosen because of its excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal properties. The bentonite clay was treated with quaternary ammonium salt (Cetremide®) to make it organophilic and to improve the interaction with the polymer matrix. It was verified by the Torque Rheometry that the system with salt presented a bigger torque in relation to the torque of the system with untreated clay and pure polyamide 6.6. The nanocomposites presented an exfoliated and partially exfoliated structure, as evidenced by XRD. By DSC, it was observed that the treated clay increases the decomposition temperature of the nanocomposite.

Abstract: The State of Paraíba has gained prominence in the production of raw bentonite in Brazil, where a new deposit has been found in the town of Sossego-PB, besides the deposit in the town of Boa Vista-PB. With the raise in the demand, the traditional reserves are depleting after several years of exploration, and this fact may result in a higher dependence on imported clays, thus existing a great interest in the discovery and characterization of new deposits, also guaranteeing technological improvements for the region. So, the objective of this work is to characterize the new deposits of the State of Paraíba, aiming at analyzing the characteristics the prove their classification as smectitic clays. The characterization was made through the analysis of chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and thermal differential analyses (TG and DTA), cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and specific area (SA). The results prove that the studied samples presented, in their mineralogical composition, smectite, kaolinite and quartz, besides thermal and chemical behavior typical smectitic clays.

Abstract: Used in various branches of the industry, bentonitic clays are considered a valuable mineral, used specially in the petroleum industry for manufacturing of fluids used the drilling of petroleum wells in long depth. Recently, a deposit of this valuable mineral was discovered in the town of Olivedos-PB. There are data that prove that this is a very poor and underdeveloped town. So, this work aims at the physico-mineralogical characterization of clays recently discovered and, this way, verify if they present similar characteristics which allow them to replace the clays from Boa Vista-PB, and if they can be used by the industry, thus bringing social development for that town. The characterization was made by means of the analysis of chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence (EDX), thermogravimetric and thermal differential analyses (TG and DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and specific area (SA). The results show that the clays recently discovered in Olivedos-PB are polycationic clays, presenting MgO, CaO and K2O content, and that they are constituted by smectitic clay mineral, by quartz and kaolinite.